Advanced Speaking, Lesson 2: Lifestyles and longevity

This lesson we are going to be talking about how our lifestyle choices positively or negatively affect
our lifespans. In pairs, discuss the Part 1 speaking questions below.

Exercise

What exercise or sport do you take part in on a regular basis? Why? How often?
Did you used to take part in different activities when you were a child?
Are there any kinds of sport or exercise you would like to try in the future? Why (not)?

Food and diet

What kind of food do you normally eat? Why?

Discuss the following question with your partner. This could be a Part 2 question.

A. Who is the oldest person you know? How old are they? What are they like?
Describe the person to your partner. Talk about their:

• Attitude to life (positive, negative, optimistic, pessimistic, fatalistic, etc.)

• Relationship and feelings (friends, family, happy, lonely, etc.)

• Lifestyle (physically / mentally active, healthy diet, etc.)

• Other characteristics (religion, work, sense of humor, etc.)

1
Look at these two quotes. Which do you think is more true?

B. Listen to the talk and circle the adjectives that describe Panchita.

Adjectives to describe Panchita Evidence?

Listen again. In note form, complete the evidence that supports your choice of adjectives.
Compare your answers in pairs. What surprised you the most about Panchita?

2
 D. Discuss this question with your partner, using the words in the box the box to help you.

In Okinawa, people who live long lives stop eating when they are 80 percent full. How do you think this
help them to live longer?

could likely may maybe might perhaps

Now write an example sentence for each word.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

B. Now ask and answer the questions below.

1 Why do you think that high levels of everyday physical activity or work contribute to longevity?
2 People who live long lives seem to have strong family ties. How do you think this helps people to live longer?
3 Having a purpose in life seems to contribute to longevity. Why do you think this is?
4 Why do you think that maintaining a healthy social network contributes to longevity?
5 Maintaining a positive outlook seem to contribute to living a long life. Why do you think this is?
6 Eating a diet low in meat and high in fruits and vegetables seem to contribute to a long life. Why do you
think this is?
7 Why do you think that having an active spiritual file contributes to longevity?
8 People who live long lives often work hard. How do you think this helps them to live longer?

3
 In Part 3 of the speaking test, you should give longer answers for each question, and you can
use the same topic-specific vocabulary/collocations that you use when you write a Task 2
essay. In fact, you can also structure the talk like an essay.

Here is an example of how a good candidate to structure an answer to a +/- question.

“Hmmm, let me think about that for a moment….Well, personally speaking, I think it’s not really a black and white issue…
there are clearly benefits to verb+ing, but also quite a few drawbacks.

In terms of benefits, I think one of the most significant advantages is that…

However, on the other hand, it is clear there are some drawbacks as well. For example, if…then…
As well as that,….

So basically, although x is +, there may be some - that people should consider carefully before making a decision. If…then….”

1. Where do most old people live in your country (e.g. independently, with their children, in retirement homes?

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of old people living this way?

3. How active are most old people in your country (e.g. do they play sports, go travelling, run businesses)?

4. How active do you think you will be in old age?

5. Do people in your country generally value the older generation? Give examples to support your answer.

6. What do you think your country could do to help people lead longer, healthier lives?

4
 Match the idiom with the definition!

just what the doctor Having problems during the early stages of something.
ordered
kick the habit It's close to breaking or wearing out.
on your last legs | on They can't stop talking
its last legs
sick as a dog You do something to regain your energy after a period of hard work.
stick out like a sore They’re obviously not the same as the people around them.
thumb | stand out
like a sore thumb
teething problems | It was exactly what was needed.
teething troubles
under the weather You're feeling very sick.
verbal diarrhoea You manage to stop doing something addictive/unhealthy
You are what you To point out the connection between food and health.
eat.
recharge your You're not feeling well.
batteries

Now write three or four sentences about a time when you felt unwell, using some of the idioms.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

5
Homework: Record your answers to this full test, and send to me, labelling the
recording(s) and the email with your class code, lesson number, topic, and your name.